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Flinders Street StationAustralia: Our home town, the City of Melbourne, fell victim to someone that terrorised the City today. While technically not an act of terrorism, the impact is certainly the same. However what evolved today seems to be something much closer to home.

Police say the deaths on our streets appear to have grown from issues including domestic violence and possibly mental health issues.

These two issues have been in focus greatly in recent years, but today it perpetuated in an act of violence that terrorised thousands, shut down the heart of a city of 4 million people and left three people dead.

Three people died, including, sadly, a child in this horrible crime.

If you witnessed events at Bourke St today and need support after what you have seen, or can provide information, please call:

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Victim’s Support Helpline on 1800 819 817

Australian Red Cross reunite services to connect with friends or family 1800 727 077

Road Trauma Support Services Vic on 1300 367 797

Lifeline 14 11 13

Beyondblue 1300 22 4636

Police allege the suspect was pursued following an assault, which tragically ended in the lockdown of the heart of the City, currently hosting the international tennis grand slam, the Australian Open.

Chief Commissioner Ashton said the 26 year old male suspect was pursued and then terminated. The vehicle was videoed and pursued by the Air Wing until the vehicle was rammed by police and the suspect shot. A man and woman in their 30’s have died and a child.

An infant was seriously injured and transported by Police to hospital.

Here is the latest Victoria Police statement released at just before 5pm:

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident that took place in the Melbourne CBD this afternoon.

It is believed police were in pursuit of a vehicle in the CBD when the vehicle deliberately struck a number of pedestrians in the vicinity of Bourke and Queens Streets at approximately 1.30pm.

Police shot the man who was the sole occupant of the vehicle and he received bullet wounds.

He was taken into custody where he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The incident is not terrorism related.

Police understand the incident is linked to a stabbing that took place in Windsor early this morning (20 January) involving parties known to one another.

Following this incident, it is alleged the same man took a woman, who is known to him, hostage in his car. She managed to escape from the car on the Bolte Bridge earlier today.

Three people have been confirmed deceased with more than 20 people injured.

The deceased are yet to be formally identified however police can confirm one of the deceased is a young child.

Police and emergency services remain on the scene and request that people avoid the area.

Police have blocked the Bourke Street between William Street and Swanston Streets including the Bourke Street Mall.

The Homicide Squad will be investigating with the assistance of the Major Collision Investigation Unit.

Police encourage anyone who witnessed the event or who has information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

​​At the time, we were workin in Melbourne, running the above weather related time-lapse video. Shortly after filming, we began seeing Victoria Police vehicles & helicopter heading south to the Bourke Street area of Melbourne. Some of these are in the above video above.

At the end, we show some vehicles of the Victorian emergency services that responded, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. Thank you.

Victims and witnesses requiring support should call the Victim’s Support Helpline on 1800 819 817.